* Barcelona race six points clear at the top
* Real Madrid's 10-match winning streak over
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By Mark Elkington
MADRID, March 7 - Barcelona returned to winning
ways and extended their Primera Liga lead with a 2-0 home
victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday while Real Madrid were
held to a 1-1 home draw by city rivals Atletico.
A Sergio Busquets header and a Lionel Messi penalty, both in
the first half, gave Barca their first win in six outings in all
competitions.
They opened up a six-point lead over chasing Real, whose
10-match winning streak came to an end against Atletico.
Diego Forlan put Atletico ahead before the break and
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar levelled in the 57th minute.
The visitors, who beat Barca last weekend, missed a host of
second-half chances to claim their first derby win since 1999.
Barca have 63 points with 12 matches left. Atletico remain
fifth with 40 points, behind champions Real (57), Sevilla (47)
and Villarreal (42).
Villarreal were at home to Espanyol in Saturday's late game
and third-placed Sevilla host Almeria on Sunday.
EARLY FRIGHT
The emotion of reaching their first King's Cup final in 24
years in midweek appeared to take its toll on Bilbao who were
second best against their fellow finalists at the Nou Camp.
Barca suffered an early fright when Fran Yeste burst clear
only to fire wastefully wide but in the 17th minute they went
ahead when Busquets met Xavi's free kick from wide on the left
with a powerful header.
The hosts then won a penalty when Andres Iniesta was bundled
over as he dribbled into the area in the 32nd minute, Messi
putting away the spot kick.
Barca threatened to cut loose after the interval. Iniesta
lashed a shot against the post, Bilbao cleared a shot off the
line and Samuel Eto'o rattled the crossbar.
Atletico were the more adventurous at the Bernabeu but Leo
Franco was the busier goalkeeper until Sergio Aguero made his
presence felt.
The Argentine executed a slick backheel to launch a
counter-attack and after receiving a return pass he squared for
Forlan to beat keeper Iker Casillas in the 38th minute.
After the break Real coach Juande Ramos brought on Gonzalo
Higuain for Guti and he made an immediate impact, feeding
Huntelaar on the edge of the area.
The Dutch striker turned his marker and fired high into the
net, though television replays showed he had been in an offside
position.
Atletico refused to wilt, Forlan hitting the post and
substitute Florent Sinama Pongolle firing wide when well placed.
(Editing by Tony Jimenez)